Sunday, May 27, 2012

Memorial Day began as Decoration Day, honoring the dead soldiers on both sides of our American Civil War. As with any holiday that becomes a three-day weekend, the original vision becomes obscured as feasting and travel overtake memory. The celebrations should continue - but they must be joined with solemn reflection on the many men and women who have died in our nation's service. Regardless of politics or policies, this is a good day to reflect on the fallen and remember the sacrifices of our service women and men. Here is my tribute.

Thank You

We do not know why the bullet found you

And your buddies made it home

But we remember.

Your red cross did not stop the shrapnel

But a another soldier lives today

Because you were there.

You jumped on the grenade

And saved all the platoon

These flowers are for you.

In two days you were going home

To meet your new daughter

And the sniper found your heart.

We buried you with honor

Handed a flag to a tearful clan

Thank you for loving us more than life.

We will recall your smile

Through misty eyes we will wait

Until the Day we see you again.

Left or Right, Black or White, rich or poor, we are all enjoying the freedom secured by the brave. Let us take a moment of silence, listen to Taps and offer prayers of peace for the families picking up the pieces of dreams shattered by the visit of a chaplain. And let us labor daily for a world without war. ﻿